| Given the current political climate, the idea of having Chris Rock in the White House is almost more comforting than amusing.
If you’ve ever heard some of Rock’s finer stand-up routines or watched his now defunct show on HBO, you know the Saturday Night Live alumnus has a penchant for smart, funny, political commentary. Alas, Rock has left most of his hard-hitting and thought-provoking ideas out of the script he penned for his latest political fantasy/farce, Head of State.
Admittedly, the idea of comedians running for office is more appealing than the reality of actors making it in. Sure Tinseltown A-listers have traditionally used their celebrity to further political causes, but the Hollywood-Washington connection has become such a reality that more and more stars are behaving like politicians. Watching the Academy Awards, it was apparent that the nominees and presenters, save Michael Moore, were all watching their tongues.
But comedians have always had less at stake – it’s their job to be crude, outspoken and inappropriate. So while logic would dictate that a Lenny Bruce might do more harm than good in the Oval Office, a U.S. president who cuts the bullshit might be worth it. (Joking aside, I think George Carlin’s stand-up bit about turning the country’s golf courses into housing for the homeless is a damn good idea.)
Unfortunately Chris Rock doesn’t invest Head of State with this kind of in-your-face liberalism. Instead, he infuses his tale of the first black presidential nominee with low-brow antics and surprisingly little political comedy. From his defiant choice to wear velvet sweats instead of double-breasted suits, and his TV spot that looks more like a Nelly video, Rock’s patsy goes about stirring things up in the most inconsequential way.
Bernie Mac, who plays Rock’s brother and eventual running mate, is always a welcome addition to any ensemble, but he doesn’t have enough to do here. As a VP hopeful who opts for a smack in the face over a traditional handshake, Mac draws as many laughs as he can from his limited screen time.
Of course, if Head of State had more ambitious goals, then Mac wouldn’t have to resort to such antics. Nor would the film have to generate laughs with a scene of old white people dancing the electric slide to "Hot in Here." |
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